May 31, 2022 2 min read

The Upper St. Clair School Board approved the district’s 2022-23 proposed budget totaling $95,700,568 that calls for a tax increase during its meeting May 23. Final adoption is set for June 27.

The proposed spending plan is based on a millage rate of 28.5682, which includes a 3.2% increase of 0.8856 mills. The annual tax impact of the increase on a $250,000 home, the average assessed home in Upper St. Clair, is $221.40, or $18.45 per month.

(To calculate the impact on a specific property value, multiply the property’s county assessed value by 0.0008856.)

Nearly 80% of the district’s revenues is derived from local taxes. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides 20% and the federal government provides under $700,000 – less than 1% of overall revenues.

Throughout the 2022-23 budget process, which began in December 2021, the district’s leadership team has focused on three primary objectives: maintain a high-quality education for students; balance the needs of the school district while recognizing the fiduciary responsibilities to the community; and remain cognizant of the interdependence of all aspects that directly and indirectly affect students’ school experience.

District leaders provided an overview of areas of the budget that have experienced increases in recent years related to safety and wellness. In particular, expenditures have increased in the areas of special education, nursing services, school counseling and school psychologists, and school police.

Also highlighted were the co-curricular and athletic opportunities for students that foster connectivity, including the fine and performing arts, WPIAL sports and numerous clubs at the high school and middle school levels.

The school board will vote on the final budget and taxes on June 27. The meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the district’s administration building.

The 2022-23 proposed budget is available on the district’s website and at the district’s administrative building, 1775 McLaughlin Run Road.